I awoke to Impa sitting at the table. lt's like I slept forever last night.

"When did you come back?" I asked.

Impa shut her eyes, "Last night." she paused and motioned me to sit at the chair across from her.

I listen and shifted uncomfortably. I have a feeling she has troublesome news.

"Princess, I returned to Hyrule last night."

I gasped, "Is- is it safe? Is Link alright? Can we go back? Is Gan-"

Impa halted me mid-sentence when she slammed her fists on the table. Startled, I flinched and my eyes widen.

"I-Impa?!"

Her eyes fixated on me, "Zelda, we will not be coming back for a long time. Hyrule has fallen!"

I froze. Oh goddesses no! My heart sank. Impa gritted her teeth and stood up.

"Is Link dead?" I asked. Tears trickled down my cheeks.

"The boy is safe. He is resting in a deep sleep until the right time arrives. That will be seven years from now."

"Seven years?! Why is this?" I was shocked.

"He is not ready to be Hyrule's hero. Princess, last night I arrived at the Temple of Time. There I met the Sage of Light, Rauru. He says after he pulled the Master Sword he was put to rest. Afterwards, Ganondorf came and entered the Sacred Realm. He had touched the Triforce and it broke in three. He now rules Hyrule due to bearing the Triforce of Power."

I sobbed. No! I'm such a fool. Not only did I take Link's childhood but I also put the kingdom in danger..

Impa raised her brows in worry and knelt by me, "Princess, do not fret. There is still hope. We've been tasked a role in this. It has been revealed to me that I am the Sage of Shadow, and you are destined to awaken as the leader of seven sages. The Sage of Time!"

I was shocked. Then my dream was true. Goddesses, why? A craven like me a sage?

"I am not worthy, Impa." I said.

She shook her head, "No. You are Hyrule's princess. You have a very fierce power slumbering within you."

I looked at her in confusion, "What are you saying?" I asked.

"If you weren't worthy, then why would Nayru choose you to hold the Triforce of Wisdom?"

I gasped, "How?!"

"In my people's legends, if one with an unbalanced heart touches it, it splits in three. It appears my people were correct. The legends really were true. Rauru enlightened me on who carries the three pieces. Link holds Courage, and Ganondorf holds Power. Which explains how quickly he conquered Hyrule."

I wiped my tears, I can't believe this. However there is only one way to go but up. I must save my people and become strong enough.

I stood up from my chair, "Impa. Help me become stronger. I must fulfill my role as Sage and save my home! Please teach me your ways." I declared.

She smiled and knelt before me, "I will abide, Milady. I will train you and teach you the secrets of my people, the Sheikah. Along the way we will awaken your potential."

I nodded. "Thank you, Impa. I wonder though. Should I disguise myself?"

Impa pondered for a moment, "Hm. I don't think so. It would seem suspicious at this moment. Maybe if danger strikes you should change your appearance. For now a name change should do it."

"Yes. I've already introduced myself as Sheekah to the farm girls and the inn keeper's daughter yesterday."

"Fair enough. I also think that ranch will be great for your training. Very wide open rural space."

We should probably head there since I was invited over by the older sister, Cremia.

"Impa, should we head there now?"

It felt like we've been speaking here for hours. I really need a breather.

Impa chuckled, "Eager, eh? Very well. Let's ask for directions there."

"The innkeeper's daughter offered to give me a map there. We should search for her."

Impa nodded in agreement and we left our room to head downstairs. We looked in the kitchen and the restroom seemed to be open. She certainly wasn't at the counter. Perhaps outside? We opened the door and found her walking towards us.

"Hey Sheekah! Were you guys needing anything?" Anju asked with a smile. She seemed giddy.

I nodded, "Can I have that map to the ranch?"

"Of course! I'll have it right out for you. Wait here, please."

She went inside the inn and after hearing loud banging sounds from inside she was out with map in hand.

"Okay! Here it is. Have fun, kiddo." Anju said and went back into the inn.

I have a feeling there is a huge mess in there! I looked down at the map she gave me and led Impa towards the South Clock Town gate.

"Just through this gate and we'll be in Termina Field," I said.

Impa nodded and we continued forward. However, a guard stood in our way.

"Halt sir! There is no way I'm letting you through without a weapon to protect yourself and the child with!" the guard shouted as he held a hand up.

Impa gave him an irritated expression and pulled out her kodachi to present it to him. "I believe ma'am is the correct way to address me," she responded with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

The guard grunted in embarrassment, "Oh! I-I apologize, dear lady! You may go through!" he stammered and moved out of the way.

Impa nodded with a grunt and led me out. "Poor Impa," I thought.

We walked along a path and I looked up at her, "Impa?" I began.

"Yes?"

I frowned, "Did that soldier hurt your feelings?" I asked.

She laughed, "Heh, not really. More of an irritant I should say. Nothing to worry about." she looked down and frowned a little.

I led us south where we met a crossroad. I looked up at the sign above us to the left which said Milk Road.

"This way." I said and Impa responded with a nod.

We entered the ranch. Impa looked up the archway that led to the pasture.

"Welcome to the graveyard"? What?" Impa read in shock.

"Sheekah!" I heard Romani yell across the field filled with cows.

I waved and led a puzzled Impa over to her. Cremia walked out of the barn and smiled.

"Hey, you actually showed up!" Cremia said, smiling.

Impa returned a grin, "My name is Impaz. I see you've met my daughter."

Cremia shook Impa's hand with great enthusiasm, "Name's Cremia. This is my little sister, Romani."

Romani smiled and shook Impa's hand. Cremia led us inside a house next to the barn.

"So what brings you here to Termina? Is it the carnival coming up next month?" Cremia asked as she pulled out two bottles of milk from the cabinet.

"We're Sheikah from Hyrule. My daughter and I are the last survivors in our tribe." Impa replied, frowning.

I nodded and suddenly began to question about this carnival she's speaking of.

Cremia frowned, "I'm sorry for your people."

"We've recovered since leaving there. No worries." Impa replied.

"May I ask what this carnival is?" I asked.

Impa gave me a stern look for sounding noble and Cremia handed us the bottles of milk.

"Yes. It's Termina's Carnival of Time. People from far and wide come here to celebrate. We get so many tourists that the inn gets packed with reservations. If you guys get kicked out a week before the carnival begins that's why. If that occurs, you're more than welcome to stay here." Cremia explained.

"Kick us out? That's outrageous." Impa glared.

Cremia sighed, "That's how Breeda, the owner is. That's my best friend Anju's mother. She's such a hot head and is overprotective of her. I think she hates me."

We began to hear quick footsteps outside.

"Hm. Who could that be?" Cremia said.

Suddenly the door flew open. It almost busted off the hinges and Impa jumped up with a cry and her kodachi was ready.

"Missus Cremia!" a lanky man in a uniform with rabbit emblems on it shouted. He noticed Impa's kodachi and shrieked. "YAH! Please dear four giants! I don't wish to die today! Who's going to deliver the people's mail!?" he began shivering in terror.

I laughed and milk blew out of my nose which caused Romani to roar with laughter.

"Eww!" I groaned as Cremia handed me a tissue.

Impa sighed in relief and humiliation. She instantly put her kodachi away. "Forgive me."

The man reluctantly accepted her apology and handed Cremia a letter. "T-this is a letter from miss Anju." he said, still shooken up.

"Thanks," Cremia said as he ran out of the house before even hearing her gratitude.

"I'm sorry about that." Impa frowned.

Cremia smiled, "It's alright, Impaz. You were just being cautious."

Cremia opened the letter and began to read. "Their date worked out! Yay!" She turned to us, "Sorry, I'm just happy for my friend here."

"Anju has a boyfriend?" Romani asked.

Cremia nodded, "The mayor's son, Kafei!"

Romani sighed, "Oh, he's so dreamy. Hey Sheekah, lets go outside!" she said as she grabbed my arm.

She went to a box that's by the barn and pulled out a bow. "Look! Romani has a bow!"

"Wow! Are you good?" I asked.

Romani shook her head, "Romani wants to be an archer but sis wont let me.."

"How old are you?" I asked.

"Romani is five. You?" she replied.

Unbelievable. She's five and she still talks in third person like a toddler. I could've sworn she was three.

"I'm ten."

Romani's eyes widened, "Wow! You're older than Romani!"

"I'm going to train to become a strong warrior!"

"Wow! That's amazing. One day we should travel together and help people." Romani shouted with glee.

Impa walked out of the house with Cremia waving good-bye. "Sheekah! It's time to go back to the inn." she yelled.

Romani groaned sadly, "Please come by and play soon, okay?"

I nodded as Impa lead me down to the gate.

"See you soon! Try out that Chateau Romani when you get home, Impa!" Cremia hollered with a wink.

Impa chuckled, "Thanks! We'll be back sometime soon."

We finally arrived back at the room and Impa commanded me to sit at the table. She gave me a stern expression. Did I do something wrong?

"Sheekah. While those people are very friendly and caring; you cannot tell them your true identity. Remember this when you meet others who treat us with such kindness and hospitality." Impa said to me.

I nodded, "I understand."

"I expect Ganondorf to be looking far and wide for us. It'll only be a matter of time before he sends his forces here to search." she replied.

Goddesses why. Why did this have to happen to me, my country, my family? This is so much to process in my head. However, these may be scary times but at least I made a friend to give me relief.

Impa stood to look out the window, "Sheekah," she began.

"Yes?"

"Tomorrow you will begin your training. It'll be a long and exhausting day, so you should rest soon." Impa said.

Author's Note: I apologize if this classifies as a filler chapter, but that milky nose though. Poor Zelda, we all know blowing milk out of your nose is a very unpleasant experience.

Next chapter will be up eventually. Sorry if this took awhile. I hope you liked this chapter, please give feedback too!

Fun fact about me: I really hate milk. I don't know why, it makes me gag.